By Fran Piraino
USBC Communications

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The CenterState CEO Chamber Ambassadors awarded the United States Bowling Congress a special certificate for holding the 2011 USBC Women's Championships in Syracuse.   

The function of the CenterState Chamber Ambassadors is to welcome businesses to the Syracuse community and recognize special events, which includes the Women's Championships. Ambassador Mike Massurin nominated the tournament for such recognition. 

"This is one of the biggest and best special events we've had here in Syracuse," Massurin said. "We wanted to recognize the tournament and thank them for choosing Syracuse as its location this year. We hope they will come back and visit us again."  

Massurin awarded the certificate to tournament director Eric Pierson on the main floor of the Oncenter Convention Center, while Bill Ryan, the chief of staff for Mayor Stephanie Miner, and Shana Vono, another CenterState Chamber Ambassador, looked on.

"We've been very excited, since we knew all the bowlers would be coming to Syracuse," said Ryan, who also was at the Oncenter for the tournament's opening ceremony April 7. "When you think about all the people coming to Syracuse every day, we hope it's been a great experience. We've wanted to make everyone feel welcome."   

More than 30,000 bowlers (5,822 five-player teams) will participate in the 88-day event, which will run until July 3. In addition to bowling, participants and their travel companions have explored the Greater Syracuse area's many attractions as well as its shopping and dining spots. The influx of approximately 500 bowlers a day has also provided Syracuse with a healthy economic boost.

"It's nice to be recognized, and we're extremely grateful to Syracuse for welcoming us," Pierson said. "As employees, we've enjoyed our time here, and we know the bowlers have had a great time, too."

Sponsors for the 2011 USBC Women's Championships sponsors include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, official brackets sponsor, Humana, official registration sponsor, Miller Lite and Molson Canadian, official beer sponsors. Supporting sponsors include Storm Bowling Products, Nationwide Insurance, The Oncenter, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, Caz Limo & Tours, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and Brunswick, official lane provider.